Jerome “Jerry” Oke, age 77 of Portage, Ind., passed away Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Hobart, Ind.

He was born November 8, 1935 in Waukegan, Ill., to Nicholas Vernon and Neomia (Terrien) Oke, both of whom preceded him in death.

Jerry was married on July 21, 1991 to Beverly (Dees) Oke, who survives in Portage, Ind.

Jerry is also survived by his son, Dennis Mitchell Oke; step daughter, Sherene Reich and step son, Mark Meents, all of Portage, Ind.; five grandchildren; sisters, Neomia (Sam) Lewis of San Diego, Calif. and Midge (James) Fornshell of Porter, Ind.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter Oke; and sister, Gail D. (Ronald) Horton.

Jerry was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Chesterton High School in the Class of 1954. He was a painter with Local 460 and was a member of the Portage Moose Lodge.

Cremation will be performed by Heritage Crematory, Portage, Ind.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, Ind.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 1/8/2013